"instead of" vs "in place of"

Question

"instead of" vs "in place of"

Both "instead of" and "in place of" are correct phrases used to indicate a substitution or replacement. They can be used interchangeably in most contexts, but "instead of" is more commonly used in everyday language. Both phrases convey the same meaning of choosing one thing over another.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate a choice or preference of one thing over another. It is commonly used in everyday language.

Examples:

I'll have tea instead of coffee.
She decided to stay home instead of going out with friends.

Alternatives:

as opposed to
rather than
in lieu of
in preference to
in favor of

This phrase is also used to indicate a substitution or replacement of one thing with another. It can be used interchangeably with "instead of," but it is less common in everyday speech.

Examples:

She was chosen to speak in place of the absent guest.
He used a pen in place of a pencil.

Alternatives:

instead of
as a substitute for
as a replacement for
in lieu of
as an alternative to

Answer 1

instead of

The phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in place of

The phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

"instead of" vs "in place of"

instead of

in place of

Related Comparisons